Philadelphia, Jun3 -
Congressman Jim Gerlach (PA-6th District) on Thursday spoke by phone with the Consul General of Israel in Philadelphia, Daniel Kutner, about the recent attack on Israeli Marines as they tried to carry out a routine inspection of a Turkish vessel bound for Hamas-controlled territory in Gaza.

During the briefing, the Congressman expressed his support for Israel's right to inspect ships and take any reasonable precautions necessary to protect its citizens from terror groups determined to smuggle rockets, motar bombs, munitions and other weapons into the portions of Gaza ruled by the international terrorist group Hamas.

"Based on all the facts available, the sole purpose of the flotilla was to provoke Israel and those aboard the Turkish ship brutally attacked the Israeli Marines," Gerlach said. "Given the circumstances, the Israeli Marines had every right to protect themselves and their fellow Marines.

It is also important to remember that Hamas has terrorized Israelis and Palestinians living along the Gaza border by launching approximately 7,000 missles and rocket attacks since 2005 when Israel withdrew from Gaza. Considering the constant threat of attack, the inspections of all ships and cargo headed from Hamas territory is absolutely reasonable and the existing embargo is necessary. Until the leaders in Gaza end their persistent efforts to destroy Israel and terrorize innocent citizens, Israel has every right to protect itself under international law and enforce blockades in international waters.

 

It is terribly disappointing this incident ended with the loss of human lives. However, I believe Israel has the right to protect its citizens from potential threats to their safety. We are fully aware the people of Israel face daily attacks from terrorist groups rooted in Gaza, including Hamas. Naturally, Israel must take tremendous precaution to ensure weapons and ammunition are not funneled to terrorist organizations from abroad. While I am eager to learn more about the events that lead to this violent confrontation, I believe Israel has the right to inspect ships bound for Gaza and enforce the existing multinational blockade, which was established to prevent Hamas from gaining the tools to launch future deadly attacks against the Israeli people.

June 2 (Bloomberg) -- Vice President Joe Biden said Israel has an "absolute right" to act in its security interests as he discussed a raid by Israeli commandos on a flotilla of ships sailing toward the Gaza Strip that left nine dead.

"Israel has an absolute right to deal with its security interests," Biden said in an interview on PBS television's "Charlie Rose Show."

"You can argue whether Israel should have dropped people onto that ship or not, but the truth of the matter is, Israel has a right to know" what was being transported to Gaza, Biden said.

Israel has faced international criticism over the May 31 raid as well as calls for it to lift restrictions on the flow of goods into Gaza, which has been blockaded by Israel since Hamas took control of the territory in 2007.

Biden said Israel does have to be more "generous" to Palestinians living in Gaza, who he said are in "bad shape" because of Israeli restrictions on travel and trade.

The United Nations has called for an investigation into the commando raid. Biden said he supports a "transparent and open" investigation that is led by the Israelis and has "international participation"

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